Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies
Published on: April 12, 2017
Tumor biology and prognostic factors in renal cell carcinoma
David S Finley1, Allan J Pantuck, Arie S Belldegrun
1Institute of Urologic Oncology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90095-1738, USA.
Abstract:
In the past 15 years, there has been an increased understanding of the tumor biology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The identification of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its related receptor (VEGFR), and the mammalian target of rapamycin as dysregulated signaling pathways in the development and progression of RCC has resulted in the rational development of pharmaceutical agents capable of specifically targeting key steps in these pathways. Clinical trials have demonstrated survival benefit with these agents, particularly in clear cell RCC patients. However, metastatic RCC will progress in all patients, resulting in a critical need to determine patient risk and optimize treatment. The goal of this article is to highlight the significant breakthroughs made in understanding the critical genetic alterations and signaling pathways underlying the pathogenesis of RCC. The discovery of prognostic factors and development of comprehensive nomograms to stratify patient risk and predictive biomarkers to facilitate individualized treatment selection and predict patient response to therapy also are reviewed.
Insights
Advances in understanding renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tumor biology, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mTOR pathways, have led to targeted therapies. Despite progress, managing metastatic RCC requires better risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Significant advancements in understanding renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tumor biology over the last 15 years.
- Identification of key dysregulated signaling pathways, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), in RCC development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review breakthroughs in the genetic alterations and signaling pathways underlying RCC pathogenesis.
- To highlight the development of prognostic factors, risk stratification nomograms, and predictive biomarkers for individualized treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature and clinical trial data.
- Analysis of genetic alterations and signaling pathway dysregulation in RCC.
- Evaluation of prognostic factors and biomarkers for risk stratification and treatment selection.
Main Results:
- Targeted pharmaceutical agents based on VEGF, VEGFR, and mTOR pathways have shown survival benefits, especially in clear cell RCC.
- Despite effective therapies, metastatic RCC invariably progresses, underscoring the need for improved risk assessment.
- Development of comprehensive nomograms and predictive biomarkers aids in stratifying patient risk and personalizing treatment.
Conclusions:
- Understanding RCC tumor biology has enabled targeted therapy development with demonstrated clinical benefits.
- Effective management of metastatic RCC necessitates precise patient risk stratification and individualized treatment approaches.
- Continued research into genetic alterations and biomarkers is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes in RCC.
Related Concept Videos
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Cancer Survival Analysis
The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
